Sr Annette Arnold RSJ. PHOTO: Talitha Kum website.
Sister Annette Arnold RSJ has been appointed as the new Oceania regional coordinator for Talitha Kum, the International Network of Consecrated Life Against Human Trafficking.
Formally established in 2009 with the International Union of Superiors General (UISG) as an international initiative against human trafficking and exploitation, Talitha Kum promotes collaboration among networks organised at national, regional and continental level, actively supporting victims, survivors and people at risk.
Sr Annette said that stepping into the role of Talitha Kum Oceania regional representative was both thrilling and humbling.
“Sister Colleen Jackson has been a guiding light in this position for the past six years, and I am deeply grateful for her incredible work and ongoing support. Together, we recently had the joy of training the new Pacific Island network in Fiji, an experience that left me even more committed to our cause,” she said in a message on Talitha Kum’s website.
Sr Annette said her journey with combating human trafficking and forced labour began in 2002 while working at the Social Action Office (SAO) in Queensland.
“The realisation that people were being exploited in factories right in our own city, was such an eye opener that shook me to the core and ignited a passion within me,” she said.
“Since then, I've been actively alert to the upcoming issues and involved with my Congregation, the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart, and the Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking of Humans (ACRATH), where I currently am on the board of ACRATH nationally, as the Vice President.”
Sr Annette said ACRATH’s mission is to eliminate human trafficking and the harm it causes.
“With a strong presence across five states, we keep the person at the heart of all we do,” she said
“Addressing Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery is an enormous task. Working in partnerships is key and we work collaboratively and collegially with significant partners in addressing many aspects of human trafficking and slavery on the basis of mutual respect and openness to sharing knowledge and developments like Australian Border Force, Red Cross, Anti-Slavery Australia, to name a few. ACRATH values this work, has credibility in these fora and believes that this can bring about systemic change.”
Sr Annette said she was looking forward to working with the worldwide Talitha Kum team.
“The dedication of Sr Abby and the whole Rome-based team, along with the inspiring stories from other continents, is remarkable and continually fuels my determination to work together towards sustainable changes in the system and the world,” she said.
“Pope Francis's words on the 10th World Day of Prayer against Human Trafficking resonate deeply—reminding us ‘only together can we defeat human trafficking’. I want to remember that this ‘together’ that is Talitha Kum, is a network of networks, a very energetic and powerful force for good in the face of the magnitude of this global problem.
“Being entrusted with the role of regional coordinator for Talitha Kum in Oceania, alongside my responsibilities at ACRATH, fills me with both pride and a sense of responsibility. Together, we will continue to fight against human trafficking with compassion and determination.
“In this role, I am honoured to serve as a voice for those who are silenced and marginalised by human trafficking. Together, with the support of dedicated individuals and organisations, we can create a world where exploitation is eradicated, and every person is treated with dignity and respect. It is an honour to be part of this effort!”
This article is drawn from a message posted on the Talitha Kum website.